Grease masking packaging materials and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the packaging materials. More specifically, the invention relates to materials and methods suitable for use as packaging materials whereby the appearance of grease, fat or oil staining on the packaging material is reduced or eliminated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/298,868, filed Jun. 15, 2001. This application also claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/258,686, filed Dec. 28, 2000. Thedisclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging materials. Morespecifically, the invention relates to materials suitable for use aspackaging materials, whereby the appearance of grease, fat or oilstaining on the packaging material is reduced or eliminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging materials, such as paperboard, paper or fabric are frequentlyutilized to package grease, fat or oil-containing materials. Forexample, human and animal foodstuffs commonly include a significantamount of grease, fat or oil. During filling, transport or storage, thegrease, fat or oil from the foodstuff can migrate from the food productto the packaging material, thereby resulting in unsightly stains on theouter surface of the packaging material. Also, grease, fat oroil-containing materials may come into contact with the outer surface ofthe packaging material to cause staining. While this migration ofgrease, fat or oil does not normally effect the structural integrity ofthe packaging material, the consumer generally dislikes the stainedcontainer and may be less likely to purchase a product because of suchstaining.

One solution to the problem of grease, fat or oil staining on apackaging material is to place the material to be packaged within anseparate impermeable container within the packaging material itself suchas, for example, a plastic bag. While such a method normally preventsgrease, fat or oil staining in the packaging material prior to use bythe consumer of the packaged material, this method has lesseffectiveness when the package has been opened and returned to theconsumer's shelf for storage. For example, grease, fat or oil-containingcrackers may be placed in a plastic bag within a packaging material.Grease, fat or oil will be contained within the bag as long as the bagremains closed. However, once opened, it is quite common for a consumerto drop one or more crackers between the bag and the inner surface ofthe packaging material when removing the crackers for use. If there isno bather material between the outer surface of the plastic bag, it islikely that grease, fat or oil will migrate from the cracker into andthrough the packaging material, thereby resulting in an unsightly stainon the outer surface of the packaging material. Stains on packagingmaterial may also be caused by filling line debris or puncturing of theplastic bag.

Stains on the packaging material may also be caused by contact by agrease, fat or oil-containing material with the outer surface of thepackaging material. Such stains may be from contact of the package witha grease, fat or oil stain on another package or by contact with grease,fat or oil-containing substances that may occur during filling,transport or storage.

Furthermore, it will be understood that, irrespective of the origin of agrease, fat or oil stain, extended times and elevated temperatures willnormally exacerbate the appearance of such stains.

Whether or not a plastic bag is placed within the packaging material, inthe past, it has been common to treat the packaging material with abarrier material effective to reduce the possibility that grease, fat oroil will migrate into and through the packaging material to cause avisible stain on the outer surface of the packaging material. The mostcommon barrier materials from the standpoint of cost and effectivenesshave been those of the fluorochemical variety i.e., Scotchguard®products, made by the 3M Company of Minneapolis, Minn. These materialshave generally been applied to the packaging material prior to formationinto, for example, a box. However, due to environmental and healthconcerns, 3M's fluorochemical barrier products have recently beenremoved entirely from the market. While other barrier materials exist,many otherwise effective methods are either not acceptable as the solemethod of protection for use in certain applications or are applied fromsolvent-based systems. Moreover, for some of the more useful methods,the methods may be prohibitively expensive and/or not effective enoughfor many applications. Thus, the removal of 3M's fluorochemical barrierproducts from use has left a major void in the packaging materialsmarket.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,492 discloses a method of masking the appearance ofgrease, fat or oil staining on a paperboard packaging substrate by firstapplying a non-leafing metallic ink over the substrate, followed by theapplication of a highly pigmented white outer layer. It is stated thatthe presence of the metallic ink alters the refractive index of thegrease, fat or oil stained substrate and the over-coating with thehighly pigmented white outer layer reduces or eliminates the metallicappearance of the lower ink layer. While effective for the masking ofgrease, fat or oil permeation, this method has at least two significantdisadvantages. First, this material requires application of at least thenon-leafing metallic ink layer using explosion-proof equipment becausethe non-leafing metallic ink is delivered from a solvent-based system.Second, the method requires the use of solvent recovery systems. Thesegreatly increase the cost of utilizing this prior art grease maskingsystem because the method cannot be used with existing mill equipmentwithout resulting in difficulties. Further, the method of U.S. Pat. No.4,521,492 has limited applications to printing press methods whichreduces the usefulness of the process in printing processes requiring amultiple of print stations.

Against the above, it would be highly desirable to develop a methodwhereby the appearance of grease, fat or oil staining on a packagingmaterial could be masked so that even if grease, fat or oil stainingdoes occur, such stains will be less noticeable. Specifically, it wouldbe desirable to be able to mask the appearance of grease, fat or oilstaining on a packaging material whereby the materials utilized do notcomprise non-leafing metallic inks Further, it would be desirable toapply such masking methods by way of aqueous systems, thereby allowingthe use of standard mill equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purpose(s) of this invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to apackaging material comprising a substrate suitable for use as apackaging material wherein the appearance of grease, fat or oil on thesubstrate is masked by the selection of the color and, optionally,composition of one or more colored layers proximally disposed on anouter surface of the substrate, wherein the substrate may itself becolored. In a further aspect, methods of making and using the previouslydescribed packaging materials are provided.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a coated substrate with a dark coloredlayer and light colored layer disposed proximally thereto.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a substrate in which the outer surface isdark colored and the substrate has a light colored layer disposedproximally thereto.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a substrate with a precoat layer adjacentthereto and with a dark colored and light colored layer disposedproximally to the precoat treated substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, devices, and/ormethods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that thisinvention is not limited to specific methods of making or applying themasking compositions herein, or specific compositions thereof, and, assuch, may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to “a colorant” includes mixtures of colorants.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will bemade to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the followingmeanings:

“Colorant” means any substance that imparts color to another substanceor mixture. As meant herein, white and black are colors. This definitionof colorant also includes, but is not limited to pigments, dyes,whiting, barytes, clays and talc.

“Substrate color” means the color of the substrate e.g., paperboard,paper or fabric or other material without any added colorant and priorto the addition of the dark colored layer or the light colored layer.When a colorant is directly added to one or more plys of the substrateas described hereinbelow, the substrate color will be different fromuncolored paperboard. For example, when recycled paperboard is thesubstrate, the substrate color will generally be light brown prior tothe addition, if any, of colorant to one or more plys of the paperboard.

“Light colored” as utilized to describe either a layer or a colorantmeans having a value of from about 50 to about 95 on the Cielab scale.In further separate aspects, the light colored layer may be from about55 to about 95 or from about 60 to about 95, or from about 65 to about95, or from about 75 to about 95, or from about 80 to about 95, all suchvalues being measured on the Cielab scale.

“Dark colored” as utilized to describe either a layer or a colorantmeans having a value of from about 0 to about 75 on the Cielab scale. Infurther separate aspects, the dark colored layer may be from about 0 toabout 65, or from about 0 to about 55, or from about 0 to about 45, orfrom about 0 to about 40, or from about 0 to about 35, or from about 0to about 30, or from about 0 to about 25, or from about 0 to about 20,or from about 0 to about 15, such values being measured on the Cielabscale.

As utilized herein, “dark colored” is defined in reference to acorresponding “light colored layer” and vice versa. That is, a darkcolored layer (or substrate) is always darker in color that the lightcolored layer that will be applied over the dark colored layer (orsubstrate) when these two colored aspects combine to form the maskingaspect of the present invention. In one or more aspects, it is possiblethat a dark colored layer (or substrate) utilized with one substrate maybe lighter in color than the light colored layer utilized on a differentsubstrate.

“Aqueous” means that the system comprises about 92% by weight or aboveof water. Such systems are considered to be essentially solvent free.

“Proximal” means that the referenced aspect or object is near to but notnecessarily touching the aspect or object to which the word “proximal”refers. “Adjacent to” means the aspect or object is touching the aspector object to which the phrase “adjacent to” refers.

References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weightof a particular element or component in a composition or article,denotes the weight relationship between the element or component and anyother elements or components in the composition or article for which apart by weight is expressed. Thus, in a compound containing 2 parts byweight of component X and 5 parts by weight component Y, X and Y arepresent at a weight ratio of 2:5, and are present in such ratioregardless of whether additional components are contained in thecompound. However, compositions such as those disclosed and claimedherein may also be described by one of ordinary skill in the art ascontaining “parts” of a component. For example, a composition containing100 parts pigment and 22 parts binder would comprise 82% pigment(100/100+22) and 18% binder (22/22+100). Such nomenclature is not usedto describe and claim the invention herein.

A weight percent of a component, unless specifically stated to thecontrary, is based on the total dry weight percent of the formulation orcomposition in which the component is included.

As utilized herein, “packaging material” means a material that may beused to make an article suitable for performing one or more of thefollowing functions: a) containment for handling, transportation anduse; b) preservation and protection of the contents for required shelfand use life and sometimes protection of the external environment fromany hazards of contact with the contents; c) identification of contents,quantity, quality and manufacturer; and d) facilitation of dispensingand use. Non-limiting examples of the packaging material article includea wrap, pouch, bag, box, cup, tray, plate, can, tube, bottle or othercontainer form.

By the term “effective amount” of a compound or property as providedherein it is meant such amount as is capable of performing the functionof the compound or property for which an effective amount is expressed.As will be pointed out below, the exact amount required will vary fromprocess to process, depending on recognized variables such as thecompounds employed and the processing conditions observed. Thus, it isnot possible to specify an exact “effective amount.” However, anappropriate effective amount may be determined by one of ordinary skillin the art using only routine experimentation.

Referring first to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of one aspectof the present invention. A substrate 12 having an inner substratesurface 14 and an outer substrate surface 16 is coated with a darkcolored layer 18 having an inner dark colored surface 20 and an outerdark colored surface 22 such that the dark colored layer is disposedproximal to outer substrate surface 16. A light colored layer 24 havingan inner light colored surface 26 and an outer light colored surface 28is disposed proximally to outer dark colored surface 22. A packaged good30 may be present and may or may not be in contact with the innersubstrate surface 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention wherein thesubstrate 32 has an integrated dark colored portion 34 having an innerdark colored surface 36 and an outer dark colored surface 38. The lightcolored layer 24 may then be disposed proximally to the outer darkcolored surface 38.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention wherein thesubstrate 12 has a precoat layer 40 having an inner precoat surface 42and an outer precoat surface 44 disposed proximally to outer substratesurface 16 and inner dark colored surface 20.

Now referring to a first major aspect of the present invention, theinvention provides a material for packaging grease, fat oroil-containing substances, wherein the packaging material comprises: agrease, fat or oil permeable substrate suitable for use as a packagingmaterial, wherein the substrate has an inner and an outer surface; adark colored layer having an inner and outer surface disposed proximalto the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the dark colored layercomprises a dark colorant; and a light colored layer having an inner andan outer surface disposed proximal to an outer surface of the darkcolored layer, wherein the light colored layer comprises a lightcolorant; wherein the dark and light colored layers are selected to maskthe appearance of grease, fat or oil staining on the packaging material,and wherein neither the dark colored layer nor the light colored layercomprises a non-leafing metallic ink. By “non-leafing metallic ink,” itis meant the inks disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,492, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. In astill further aspect, the colorants of the invention herein do notcomprise a metallic material. For example, the colorants of theinvention herein do not comprise an aluminum-containing colorant. Yetstill further, the colorants of the present invention consistessentially of a non-leafing metallic ink.

A grease, fat or oil-containing material can be packaged in thepackaging material. Upon storage, grease, fat or oil from the packagedmaterial may come in contact with the inner surface of the substratesuch that grease, fat or oil may migrate through the substrate to bevisible on an untreated outer surface of the substrate. Also, grease,fat or oil may come into contact with the outer surface of a packagingmaterial during filling or storage of the packaging material. It hasbeen discovered that with the present invention, the appearance of suchgrease stains may be reduced or eliminated. As meant herein, “reduced”or “eliminated” are terms that will be relative to the specificapplication. For example, in a particular aspect, grease, fat or oilstaining may be totally “eliminated” when the package has a useful lifeof only several weeks, whereas, grease, fat or oil staining may be“reduced” in the same treated substrate if the useful life of thepackage is several months. This is due to the fact that the presentinvention generally does not result in the formation of an impermeablebarrier on a packaging material. Rather, it is believed that through acombination of optical phenomena and formulation selection, thesurprising and unexpected masking properties of the present inventionare obtained.

In a further aspect, the dark colorant may comprise one or more of:carbon black, raw sienna, burnt sienna, burnt umber, chrome black, highpurity furnace black, black azo dyes or brown azo dyes. In a stillfurther aspect, the dark colorant comprises carbon black. While suchmasking many not be permanent in most circumstances, the duration andextent of masking is sufficient for packaging materials uses.

In a further aspect, the light colorant comprises one or more of:titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, calcium sulfate,barium sulfate, natural clay, a synthetic clay, magnesium oxide,magnesium silicate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide and plastic pigment. Atitanium dioxide product particularly suitable for use in the inventionherein is Huntsman R-BC Slurry, a product of Huntsman Trioxide, SaltLake City, Utah. Clays suitable for use in the invention herein include,but are not limited to, kaolin (grades 1, 2 etc.), delaminated clay andstructured clay. Kaolin clays particularly suited for the inventionherein include Kaoprint and Kaobrite, products of Thiele, Sandersville,Ga. In a further aspect, the colorant does not comprise calciumcarbonate. In a further aspect, the light colorant does not comprisecalcium carbonate.

In a further aspect, the dark colorant may be optionally applied from adark colorant-containing solution. It should be noted that the darkcolorant-containing solution may normally contain additional materials,including other colorants. These additional materials may comprisematerials such as titanium dioxide, which, in addition to being a whitecolorant, may also act as an opacifier. Thus, when opacity is desirablein the dark colored layer, titanium dioxide can be included along withthe dark colorant. A further additional material in the dark coloredlayer, as well as in the light colored layer, may comprise clay orcalcium carbonate, which, in addition to being white colorants, may alsoact as extenders or opacifiers, whereby the amount of colorant to beutilized in the solution may be reduced or eliminated. Thus, it iscontemplated according to the invention herein, that the darkcolorant-containing solution may also contain materials that arereferred to elsewhere herein or otherwise known as “light colorants” orthat are otherwise generally known to one of ordinary skill in the artas “colorants.” Thus, when utilized in conjunction with the darkcolorant herein, the purpose of these materials is for a reason otherthan for conferring color, however, some color may nonetheless beconferred by use of such materials.

In a significant aspect, the materials utilized in one or more of thedark or light colored layers or to color one or more plys of thesubstrate itself may be suitable for use in food, drug or cosmeticapplications. Such materials are specifically described in Title 21 ofthe United States Code. More particularly, the colorants that may besuitable for use in the invention herein are described in Title 21,Section 178.3297 of the United States Code. The disclosures of allreferenced United States Code sections are herein incorporated in theirentireties by this reference. Other materials, whether colorants orotherwise, may be suitable for use in food, drug and cosmeticapplications that are not specifically delineated in the United StatesCode, particularly materials that may be available outside of the U.S.and are suitable for use therein. As such, it is contemplated hereinthat materials not specifically set forth in the United States Code maybe utilized in the present invention.

One of ordinary skill in the art may further understand that othernon-food, drug or cosmetic approved colorants or other ingredients maybe utilized in accordance with the invention herein according to theintended end-use for the packaging material, as long as such colorantsare not those utilized in non-leafing metallic inks. For example, if thematerial to be packaged is a grease, fat or oil-containing pesticide, itwill not be necessary for the materials utilized on the surface of thepackaging substrate to be acceptable for food, drug or cosmeticapplications. Further, even where the material to be packaged is food,drug or cosmetic material, a wide range of additional colorants may beutilized where such materials are acceptable for such applications.

In one aspect, the dark colored layer may be applied from a darkcolorant-containing solution, wherein the dark colorant-containingsolution comprises from about 0.01 to about 20.0% by weight of the darkcolorant as measured by total weight of the solution. Still further, thedark colorant-containing solution comprises from about 0.25 to about4.0% by weight of the dark colorant as measured by total weight of thesolution. Yet still further, the dark colorant may be present in thedark colorant-containing solution at from about 0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5,1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5,8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0 and 20.0% by weight of thedark-colorant-containing solution, where any of these stated amounts maycomprise either the upper or lower endpoint of the range of darkcolorant therein and any lower endpoint can be used with any upperendpoint.

In a further aspect, the light colored layer may be applied from a lightcolorant-containing solution, wherein the light colorant-containingsolution comprises from about 30 to about 90% by weight of the lightcolorant as measured by total weight of the solution. Still further, thelight colored layer may be applied from a light colorant-containingsolution, wherein the light colorant-containing solution comprises fromabout 40 to about 80% by weight of the light colorant as measured bytotal weight of the solution. Yet still further, the light colorant maybe present in the light colorant-containing solution at from about 1, 5,10, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 99%by weight of the light colorant-containing solution, where any of thesestated amounts may comprise either the upper or lower endpoint of therange of light colorant therein and any lower value can be used with anyupper value.

In a significant further aspect, either or both of the colored layersmay be applied from respective light or dark colorant-containingsolutions, wherein either or both solutions may be aqueous. By havingaqueous systems as defined previously, standard paper mill equipment maybe readily utilized to prepare packaging materials according to theinvention herein. This provides significant advantages in the presentinvention over the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,492.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, the dark colored layermay not be separately applied to the substrate. If no dark colored layeris separately applied, the substrate itself may have a substrate colorthat is darker than the light colored layer. In such an aspect, thesubstrate color is modified to be darker than the uncolored (natural)substrate. For example, a dark color can be added to one or more layers(or plys) in a single or multi-ply paperboard by means of a colorantaddition step during the paper manufacturing process so that the entiresubstrate (in a single ply product) or the outer surface of thepaperboard (in a multi-ply product) is darker than that of uncoloredsubstrate. In one aspect, a multi-ply paperboard article may bemanufactured whereby the pulp comprising one or more outer plys, forexample, the top liner, is treated with a dark colorant to result in adark colored outer surface for the substrate. In separate aspects, thenumber of plys in the paperboard (whether colored or uncolored) is two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten, in which one or moreouter plys may be colored with a dark colorant according to the presentinvention. Such dyes or colorants may be present in a pulp slurry in arange of from about 0.1 to about 3.0% by weight. Such colorants may inthe form of azo dyes wherein the individual colors may be used alone ormixed with other azo dyes to form a dark color in one or more plys ofthe paperboard. In a further aspect, the entire paperboard product maybe dark colored by the addition of azo dyes to a pulp slurry in theamounts of from about 0.1 to about 3.0% by weight.

Methods of making paperboard products are not crucial to the inventionherein and are well known generally to one of ordinary skill in the art.Specific examples of methods that may be utilized herein are describedgenerally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,753,710, 4,913,773 and 5,169,496, thedisclosures of which are each incorporated herein in their entireties bythis reference.

As contemplated herein, the specific shade of dark colorant or lightcolorant is not crucial to the invention. However, as noted, the “dark”colorant should provide a color to the substrate that is darker thanthat provided by the “light” colorant to the light colored layer andvice versa.

In one aspect, the light colored layer may be white and the dark coloredlayer may be black or gray. In further aspects, the light colored layermay be yellow, pink, pale green, pale blue, etc.; that is, the lightcolored layer may be any color that exhibits a significant reflectanceof light. The dark colored layer may be blue, purple, brown, etc.; thatis, the dark colored layer may be any color that exhibits a significantabsorbance of light. Definitions of “light colored” and “dark colored”are as previously set forth herein.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that byselecting an outer substrate color that is closer in color to that of agrease, fat or oil stain, the appearance of a grease, fat or oil stainon the outer surface of the packaging material will be lessened, reducedor eliminated. That is, it is hypothesized by normalizing the backgroundcolor of the packaging material to a shade similar to the grease, fat oroil, the refractive index of the packaging substrate may be altered sothat a grease, fat or oil stain may be less visible in the finishedpackaging material. Further, selection of the light colored layer willbe dependent on a number of factors including the degree of darkness ofthe dark colored layer and the desired whiteness/brightness of the outerlayer.

It should be noted that a very dark colored layer itself will likely beeffective to mask a wide variety of grease, fat or oil stains or asubstrate. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatsuch a dark layer will be difficult to cover with a light-colored overlayer without having a very thick layer and/or having a large amount ofopacifying pigments, such as TiO₂. However, according to the method andcompositions of the present invention, it is possible to mask grease,fat or oil staining by means of selection of the dark colored and lightcolor layers to provide cost effective packaging materials.

Accordingly, when a light colored layer is selected and applied over thedark colored substrate or the dark colored layer, the masking may beeffectuated by the application of the light colored outer layer. Inaccordance with the present invention, and in some aspects inconjunction with binder materials (as discussed in more detail below),it is believed that this optical phenomenon is augmented and enhanced ina surprising and unexpected manner.

In the selection of the colors so as to mask the appearance of grease,fat or oil permeation (e.g. staining) in a packaging material, therelative thickness of the colored layers, the concentration of colorantsin the coatings, the type of grease, fat or oil-containing materialbeing packaged and the time and the temperature to which the package issubjected will each be relevant. For example, when the grease maskingcapability of a packaging material need only be apparent for a shorttime, such as with a fast food container in which the packaged materialmay be consumed shortly after purchase, a dark color may not need to beas dark and a light color may not need to be as light relative to eachother because the grease masking necessity for the package is relativelyshort-lived. In contrast, when packaging a food product where thestorage capability needs to be longer, the dark color and/or the lightcolor may need to have a greater masking ability. Moreover, the degreeof a grease, fat or oil stain will also be related to the type ofmaterial being stored in the packaging material. However, in accordancewith the disclosure herein and the general knowledge in the art, one ofordinary skill in the art will be able to determine the relative amountsof ingredients, thickness of coatings, etc. useful for particularapplications without undue experimentation.

In a still further aspect, the packaging material may have a TAPPIbrightness number of from about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95,99 or 100, where any of these referenced measurements may compriseeither the upper or lower endpoint and any of these lower endpoints maybe used with any of these higher endpoints. In a further aspect, thepackaging material may have a TAPPI brightness number of from about 60to about 90. Still further, in another aspect, the packaging materialhas a TAPPI brightness number of greater than 75. The brightness of thepackaging materials are measured according to TAPPI method T452 om-83.This TAPPI method is incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

In a further major aspect, the grease, fat or oil permeable substrateutilized according to the compositions and methods herein comprisespaperboard, paper or fabric. However, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the substrates in which this invention may beutilized are not limited to these specifically enumerated substrates.Rather, it is contemplated according to the invention herein “substrate”includes any article that customarily or feasibly could be coated with acoating formulation or that may itself be dark colored and may be coatedwith the light colored layers described herein. In separate aspects, thesubstrate must be suitable for use as a packaging material as the termis defined elsewhere herein.

Still further, in another aspect, the grease, fat or oil permeablesubstrate may comprise paperboard. The paperboard so utilized canspecifically comprise one or more of: SBS (“solid bleached sulfate”),SUS (“solid unbleached sulfate”) or recycled paperboard.

SUS (for example, Omnicoat® or Pearlcoat®, Riverwood, Marietta, Ga.)utilized according to the methods herein may be comprised of primarilysouthern pine species such as the Loblolly as a fiber source, althoughsome hardwood fiber may be used, particularly in one or more outer plys.Some recovered paper may also be added as a fiber source, which mayaccount for about 20% of the fiber (although this amount will vary basedon market conditions and other factors). SUS is generally abrown-colored paperboard which can then be coated according to themethods herein with application of a dark colored layer proximal to theSUS and a light colored proximal to the dark colored layer.Additionally, one or more outer plys of the SUS may be colored to resultin a one or more dark colored outer plys on the paperboard.

When recycled paperboard (for example ClassicNews®, Rock-Term Company,Norcross, Ga.) is utilized in the compositions and methods herein, avariety of types of recovered paper and paperboard may be utilized. Eachsource may have an impact on the final substrate and, accordingly, thepackaging applications to which the packaging material is suited. Two ofthe predominant fibers utilized in recycled paperboard sources may beold newspapers (ONP) and old corrugated containers (OCC). ONP normallyadd bulk and can improve formation but may not convey as much strengthas OCC. Another common fiber source may be office waste paper (OWP)which has high value when utilized as an outer (top) ply to provide aclean, smooth printing surface for the coated recycled paperboard. Thisouter ply may be made dark colored according to the methods of theinvention herein. Recycled clippings from printing and converting plantsalso can provide a large fiber source for the recycled coated paperboardindustry.

SBS (for example, from Westvaco, Covington, Va.) that may be utilizedaccording to the methods and compositions herein generally comprisesbleached fiber from both softwood and hardwood trees, although therenormally is a higher percentage of hardwood fiber therein. Thepercentage of hardwood fiber can vary significantly without affectingits use in the invention herein, but, typically, the hardwood contentmay be greater than about 80%. SBS utilized according to the methodsherein may also contain some recycled fibers. When matted intopaperboard according to known papermaking procedures, hardwood fibersgenerally form a smooth white sheet. As such, without treatment with thegrease masking method herein, the appearance of grease, fat or oilstaining on this SBS substrate will be marked.

In a significant aspect, the packaging material prepared according tothe invention herein may be suitable for use in packaging food, drugs orcosmetics. More particularly, the packaging material may be suitable foruse in packaging human food or animal food.

In addition to paperboard as described above, the substrate may be paperor fabric. If the substrate is paper or fabric or some other suitablesubstrate, it will be understood that the substrate itself may be darkcolored or a separate dark colored outer layer may be applied toaccomplish the objectives of the present invention. When paper, thepackaging material may be in the form of a single layer or in amulti-ply bag. Application of the dark and light colored layers to bothpaper and fabric materials is in accordance to the methods disclosedherein with respect to paperboard. To the extent that the applicationmethods may differ, such differences will be minimal and one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize the same.

In a further aspect, the colorant-containing solutions from which one ormore of the dark colored layers and the light colored layers are appliedeach, independently, comprise one or more of: water, dispersant, resin,surfactant, wetting agent, defoamer, thickener, starch, preservative, orantioxidant. Such additional materials may be included in thecolorant-containing solutions according to methods known generally toone of ordinary skill in the art. Non-exclusive examples of coatingformulations that may be utilized in accordance with the inventionherein are disclosed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,383, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

Furthermore, there may be a layer on the outer surface of the grease,fat or oil-permeable substrate, wherein the layer comprises one or moreof: starch, polyvinyl alcohol, or one or more sizing agents that wouldbe recognizable by one of ordinary skill in the art. When starch isutilized in the present invention, the starch may be catatonicallymodified to augment the affinity of the precoat to the substrate that,if comprised of paper or paperboard, may carry a net anionic charge.Still further, in another aspect, the layer may comprise a dye, pigmentor other type of colorant, and, as such, this layer may operate as thedark colored layer. This layer, whether colored or not, may or may notcomprise binder.

Still further, in another aspect, a printed layer may be presentadjacent to an outer surface of the light colored layer. Such methods ofprinting are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and, assuch, are not described herein in detail.

With respect to the dark colored layer aspect of the invention, thefollowing method may be utilized. After preparation and drying of thepackaging substrate, a dark colorant containing solution, for example,comprising starch, dark colored pigment and water can be applied on awet stack calendar (in addition to or instead of applications on a sizepress for Fourdrinier machines). The wet stack may consist of a stack ofrollers, which may be from five or seven rollers high. The web may thenbe threaded through this stack. Water boxes containing the percentsolution may be placed adjacent to one roller for the topside of the weband another roller for the bottom side of the web. The dark coloredlayer can be applied to the web as the web passes the water boxes.

In separate aspects, the dark colored layer may be adjacent to thesubstrate and the light colored layer may be adjacent to the darkcolored. Still further, the dark colored layer may be proximal to thesubstrate and adjacent to the light colored layer. Still further, thedark colored layer may be proximal to the substrate and the lightcolored layer may be proximal to the dark colored layer.

In addition to the previously described layers, a barrier or fixinglayer separate from the light and or dark colored layer may be added atany location on the packaging material without detracting from thepurposes of the present invention. For example, a clear barrier orfixing coat may be disposed between the outer surface of the substrateand the dark colored layer, between the dark colored layer and the lightcolored layer or may be disposed on the surface of the light coloredlayer before or after the application of a printed layer, if any.

As noted, binders may be useful in the light and/or darkcolorant-containing solutions herein and will be present in bindersolutions as binder solids as discussed below. Binders suitable for usein the first or light colored solutions herein may comprise naturally-or synthetically-derived materials.

In particular aspects, suitable synthetic binders may comprise latexpolymers, wherein such latex polymers are derived from monomerscomprising one or more of: acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate, acetoacetoxyethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate,ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutylacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexylmethacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, isoprene, octyl acrylate, octylmethacrylate, iso-octyl acrylate, iso-octyl methacrylate,trimethyolpropyl triacrylate, styrene, α-methyl, glycidyl methacrylate,carbodiimide methacrylate, C₁-C₁₈ alkyl crotonates, di-n-butyl maleate,α- or -β-vinyl naphthalene, di-octylmaleate, allyl methacrylate,di-allyl maleate, di-allylmalonate, methyoxybutenyl methacrylate,isobornyl methacrylate, hydroxybutenyl methacrylate,hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, vinyl acetate,vinyl ethylene carbonate, epoxy butene, 3,4-dihydroxybutene,hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, methacrylamide, acrylamide, butylacrylamide, ethyl acrylamide, vinyl(meth)acrylates, orisopropenyl(meth)acrylate. In particular, suitable latexes may includeone or more of: styrene butadiene (SBR), polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylacetate-acrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene acrylates,polyacrylates and acrylic materials. Still further, naturally derivedbinders may be used in the present invention. Such binders may include,but are not limited to, soy or animal protein materials.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such binders may beuseful in the methods of the present invention to assist in holding thecolorant particles together and to the packaging substrate. The type ofbinder utilized in the methods of the present invention may varydepending on the particular colorant utilized, the packaging substrateand the intended end use for the packaging material. For example, SBRbinders typically provide very good binding strength, gloss, inkholdout, and flexibility. PVAc binders can provide good gluingproperties, brightness stability, ink receptivity, and low odor. Proteinbinders may contribute to appearance, gloss, fountain solutionacceptance, and glueability.

As for binder amounts to be included in the solutions, a binder may bepresent in the dark and/or light colorant-containing solutions in anamount of from about 17 to about 60% by weight of each individualcolorant-containing solution. Still further, the binder may be presentin the dark and/or light colorant-containing solutions in an amount offrom about 17 to about 37% by weight of each individualcolorant-containing solution. Still further, the amount of binder may befrom 23% to 40% by weight of each individual colorant-containingsolution. In a further aspect, the binders may be present at from about25% to about 35% by weight of each individual colorant-containingsolution. Still further, the binders may be present in the individualcolorant-containing solutions in the amount of from about 20, 25, 30,35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70% by weight of each individualcolorant-containing solution, where any of these values may form thelower endpoint and the upper endpoint and any lower value may beutilized with any upper value. In a further aspect, the amount of binderis greater than 17% by weight. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that such binder materials are often supplied as % solids inliquid. The values recited herein are measure as total dry weight undersolids used in the coating compositions.

In further aspects, a mixture of synthetically and naturally derivedbinders may be utilized in the individual colorant containing solutions.In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, the individual colorantcontaining solutions may comprise a mixture of latex polymer binder andanimal and/or vegetable protein, wherein the total amount of binder inthe acting composition is measured by the sum of the weight percent oflatex polymer solids and the soy protein solids. In a further aspect,the ratio of latex polymer to animal and/or vegetable protein is fromabout 2:1 to about 20:1, or from about 2:1 to about 10:1, where thetotal amount of binder in the individual colorant containing solutionsis as stated previously. Still further, the ratio of latex polymer toanimal and/or vegetable protein is from about 7:1 to about 12:1, wherethe total amount of binder in the individual colorant-containingsolutions is stated previously. Yet still further, the ratio of latexpolymer to animal and/or vegetable protein is from about 3:1, 5:1, 7:1,9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 13:1, 15:1, 17:1, 19:1, where any lower value may bepaired with any upper value and where the total amount of binder in theindividual colorant-containing solutions is as stated previously.

In one aspect, the dark colored layer does not comprise binder and thelight colored layer comprises binder. In a further aspect, the darkcolored layer comprises binder and the light colored layer does notcomprise binder. Still further, in another aspect, each of the coloredlayers comprise binder.

Although the amounts of components in the individual colorant solutionsare recited above, it should be noted that the amount of pigment, binderand/or other ingredients, will be, in part, affected by factors such asthe base color of the substrate and the amount and duration of thegrease masking needed in a particular application. For example, whererecycled paperboard or SUS board stock is utilized as a substrate, thebase color of the substrate will be darker (or less white). Accordingly,the amount of pigment in the light colored layer(s) may need to behigher in order to satisfactorily hide the color of the substrate. Incontrast, if SBS is utilized as the substrate, the amount of lightcolored pigment needed in the light colored layer(s) may be lower thanthat needed for a darker colored substrate because this substrate isless dark in color.

Moreover, while the specific type of binder(s) utilized in the presentinvention has not been found to be crucial to the present invention, oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the amount of pigmentin the colorant containing solutions should directly affect the amountof binder to be included in the solutions. Thus, where a lower amount oflight colored pigment is utilized (as discussed above), a proportionallylower amount of binder will be necessary. However, in accordance withthe grease, fat or oil masking compositions and methods of the presentinvention, the amount of binder needed for a particular application hasbeen found to be in excess of the amount of binder utilized for thatsame particular application where no grease, fat or oil maskingproperties are present.

The dark and light colored layers may be applied utilizing existingmethods of applying coatings to packaging substrates. Such methods andcompositions useful herein are known generally to one of ordinary skillin the art of packaging material manufacture and, as such, are notdescribed in detail herein. Methods and compositions that may beutilized according to the invention herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,196,038, 3,873,345, 4,265,969 and 4,301,210, the disclosures ofwhich are each incorporated herein in their entireties by thisreference.

Further specific examples of coating methods that may be utilizedinclude the following.

In a major aspect, an in-line coating method maybe utilized to reducethe cost of the coating process, however, in another aspect an off-lineprocess may be utilized. Coating processes that may be utilized include,but are not limited to: roll coating, rigid blade, straight blade orbent blade, air knife or a combination of coaters. Additionally, thecompositions of the invention may be applied utilizing rotogravure andflexographic methods.

Roll coaters will generally not be utilized as a stand-alone coatingmethod but may be used as the applicator roll in each of the coatingprocesses discussed below. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that roll coaters operate similarly to a roller one uses topaint a wall at home. That is, in one aspect, the roll may rotate in avat of coating and continues to rotate until it comes into contact withthe paperboard and applies the wet coating thereto. The wet coating maythen immediately be removed by either a blade, rod, or air knife.

A blade coater may be utilized to remove excess coating by use of arigid (straight) or bent blade. In either aspect, the blade may actuallycontact the paperboard and scrape off the excess coating. Blade coaterswill generally leave more coating in the low areas (valleys) and lesscoating on the high areas (hills) of the paperboard.

Blade coatings may be utilized to level off and seal the paperboard.Blade coatings generally augment paperboard smoothness and may bepreferable for some end uses. A typical blade coater will generallyapply from about 1 to 2 dry pounds of coating per 1000 square feet.Blade coaters are generally utilized to apply base coating (primers) aswell as top coatings to seal the sheet. Blade coaters are particularlyuseful when the packaging substrate utilized herein is SBS.

A rod coater may be utilized according to the invention herein to removeexcess coating with a smooth or wire wound rod. The rod may be placed ina holder and may be slowly rotated as coating is wiped away. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that a rod coater operatessimilarly to a blade coater in that it generally levels and seals thesheet, but may also follow the natural contour of the paperboardsurface. Rod coaters can be considered to allow a greater margin forerror than a blade coater, in that small impurities that can causescratches and streaks in the blade process are more likely to pass underthe rod and not cause these defects. For this reason, rod coaters willbe useful in the present invention when the packaging substratecomprises recycled paperboard and or SUS. Rod coaters will generallyapply from about 1 to 3 dry pounds of coating per 1000 square feet.

In a further aspect, an air knife coater may be utilized to removeexcess dark and/or light colored layer by the blowing of a thin jet ofair on the wet coating. The air knife generally leaves a more uniformfilm thickness of coating across the entire web by following the contourof the sheet. Thus, if the surface of the packaging substrate is rough,it will remain rough. If it is smooth, it will generally remain smooth.Because of its excellent uniformity and its greater thickness, air knifecoatings may be utilized when an opaque coating is desired. Air knifecoatings are particularly useful for coating SBS and recycledpaperboard. Typical air knife coaters will generally apply about 2 toabout 6 dry pounds of coating per 1000 square feet.

In accordance with the methods herein, two, three or more coating unitsmay be utilized to prepare the packaging material. In one aspect, theuse of multiple coating methods may allow improved smoothness of thesurface of the packaging material and may generally allow improvedprintability. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious combinations may be utilized depending on the characteristics ofthe packaging substrate and the performance and cost attributes desiredin the finished packaging material.

It will be recognized that when applied from a colorant-containingsolution, the one or more colored layers are applied wet and shouldnormally be dried. Drying of the packaging materials can be accomplishedusing either forced air or infrared dryers. In some cases both methodsmay be used.

In a further aspect, the coated packaging material may be dry calendaredeither before or after the application of a printed layer, if one isdesired. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that drycalendaring is a process of polishing the coated substrate and ofcontrolling caliper and density of the finished surface. Calendarfinishing is generally performed to improve smoothness and increasegloss of the finished packaging material. In accordance with the presentinvention, a stack of calendar rolls may be utilized; this is generallyreferred to as “hard nip calendaring.” Alternatively, gloss calendarshaving a highly-polished, heated cylinder that is loaded against aresilient rubber backing roll may be utilized. As the packagingsubstrate outer surface comes into contact with the polished hot rolland enters the calendar nip (between the two rolls), a slight change inspeed may occur which results in a polishing of the coating. Thisprocess is referred to as “soft nip calendaring.” Methods of calendaringare known generally to those of ordinary skill in the art. Non-exclusiveexamples of calendaring are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,521, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference.

In a further major aspect of the invention herein, the dark coloredlayer and light colored layer each, independently, may comprise one ormore of polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, orhalogenated or non-halogenated vinyl polymers. Such materials may alsobe considered, in some aspects, to comprise binder materials. Withrespect to the polyethylene aspect, suitable polyethylenes include HDPE,MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, homogenously branched linear ethylene polymers andsubstantially linear ethylene polymers. Such materials may also beconsidered, in some aspects, to comprise binder materials. In thisaspect, the dark colored layer and the light colored layer each,independently, may comprise from about 5 to about 40% colorant asmeasured by total weight of each individual layer. Still further, thedark colored layer and the second layer each, independently, may fromabout 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 45, and 50% colorant, where any of thesenumbers may comprise either endpoint for the amount of colorant and anylower endpoint may be utilized with any upper endpoint. While any of theabove-described colorants may be utilized in this aspect of theinvention, in one further particular aspect, the light colorant maycomprise titanium dioxide and the dark colorant may comprise carbonblack.

In this aspect of the invention, a grease, fat or oil permeablesubstrate having an outer surface is provided whereby a dark coloredlayer may be extruded onto the outer surface of the substrate and alight colored layer may be simultaneously or sequentially extruded ontoan outer surface of the dark colored layer. Alternatively, a paperboardmaterial may be utilized wherein one or more layers (plys) of thepaperboard are colored with a dark colorant. In this latter aspect, aone or more colored layers may be extruded onto the outer surface of thecolored paperboard with or without application of a precoat layer.

Methods of extrusion coating packaging materials are known generally toone of ordinary skill in the art, and, as such, need not be described indetail herein. Non-exclusive examples of extrusion coating methods thatmay be utilized according to the invention herein are describedgenerally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,858 and 4,455,184, the disclosures ofwhich are each incorporated herein in their entireties by thisreference.

In a further aspect, one or more of the colored layers may be extrudedeither simultaneously or sequentially to form a laminate material. Thislaminate material may be applied to the outer surface of the substrateof the invention herein to form either or both of the colored layers.

In still a further aspect, a dark colored layer may be applied to thesubstrate and a light color layer may be extruded to the dark coloredsurface. For example, a dark colored layer having an inner and an outersurface may be applied from a dark colorant-containing solution as setforth above. A light colored layer having an inner and an outer surfacemay then be extruded thereto. Alternatively, a dark colored paper orfabric may be applied to a paperboard, paper or fabric substrate and alight colored layer extruded thereto.

The substrates treated according to the present invention may beutilized in a number of different applications. In specific non-limitingexamples, packaging materials in the form of a box, cup, tray, plate,can, tube, bottle or other container form may be prepared. Materialspackaged therein may be consumer goods. In separate examples, thepackaging materials may be used for both food and non-food packaging. Asexamples of food that may suitably be packaged in materials treated withthe compositions and methods of the present invention, the followingnon-limiting examples are presented: sweets, chocolate, confectionery,pastries, biscuits, dairy products (e.g., butter and cheese), powderyfoodstuffs (e.g., coffee, tea, cocoa, flour, cereals), frozen food(e.g., ice cream, pastries, vegetables, seafood), fresh andsemipreserved foods, pet food or carryout foods. Non-limiting examplesof non-food packaging that may suitably be packaged in materials treatedwith the compositions and methods of the present invention include:cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, detergents,textiles, toys, games, tools, household appliances, pesticides,fertilizers, hobby items, paper products, cassettes, record sleeves, andauto parts.

Converting methods known generally in the art may be utilized to formthe packaging materials of the present invention. For example, thepackaging material may be fabricated into a box configuration, a tube(shell) configuration, a tray configuration, or a bottle wrapconfiguration. These recited examples are meant to be illustrative onlyand one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the types ofpackaging materials that may be fabricated utilizing the grease, fat oroil masking compositions of the present invention may encompass a widevariety of configurations. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize conventional converting methods (i.e., cutting,creasing, and gluing) are suitable for use in conjunction with thepresent invention.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how thecompounds, compositions, articles, devices, and/or methods claimedherein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplaryof the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what theinventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensureaccuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.) butsome errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicatedotherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° F. or is atambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Bending chip recycled paperboard (“uncoated box board”) was utilized inthe examples.

Suitable formulations for use in the present invention are set forth inTables 1 and 2 below.

Various grease, fat or oil-containing packaged goods were tested inpackaging materials treated with formulations of the present invention,such as those described below. Such tests were run for extended timesand at elevated temperatures as described.

All tests utilized grease, fat or oil-containing materials. Where known,test results set forth below include the weight percent of grease, fator oil in the subject materials. However, since some tested product wereproprietary formulations, the amount of grease, fat or oil within theproduct was unknown. In such cases, grease, fat or oils that may bepresent in the tested product are described.

TABLE 1 Air Coating Method

TABLE 2 Rod Coating Method

TABLE 3 COATING FORMULATIONS TESTED First Down Coating Coating CoatingCoating Coating (White/light) Coating Formula Formula Formula FormulaFormula Top Coating(s) Formula #1 #1A #1C #1D #2A #2B Pigments KaolinClay 1 28.7% 35.2% 35.2% 35.2% 35.2% 35.2% Kaolin Clay 2  0.0%  0.0% 0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0% TiO2 71.3% 29.1% 29.1% 29.1% 29.1% 29.1% TotalPigment % 63.0% 64.3% 64.3% 64.3% 64.3% 64.3% Binders Soy Protein  2.5% 0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0% Poly vinyl acetate 34.1% 35.6% 35.6% 35.6%35.6% 35.6% latex Total % comb. 36.6% 35.6% 35.6% 35.6% 35.6% 35.6%Binder Additives Thickener 0.07%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%Alcosperse  0.1%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0% Defoamer 0.25%  0.0% 0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0% First down (dark) coating Starch Cationic   5% 00 0 0 0 Black Pigment  0.6%  0.1%  0.2%  0.2% 0.51% 0.51% Water 94.40%   0.0 0 0 0 0 Pigments Kaolin Clay 1   0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%  0.0%Kaolin Clay 2   0% 64.6% 64.6% 57.0% 60.3% 60.3% TiO2   0%  0.0%  0.0%11.1%  6.4%  6.4% Total Pigment %   0% 64.6% 64.6% 68.1% 66.6% 66.6%Binders Soy Protein 0   0.0   0.0   0.0   0.0   0.0 Poly vinyl acetate  0.0 35.3% 35.2% 31.7% 32.8% 32.8% Latex Total % comb.   0% 35.3% 35.2%31.7% 32.8% 32.8% Binder Additives 0 0 0 0 0 0 Thickener 0 0 0 0 0 0Dispersant 0 0 0 0 0 0 Defoamer 0 0 0 0 0 0 First Down Coating CoatingCoating Coating Coating Coating (White/light) Formula Formula FormulaFormula Formula Formula Top Coating(s) #2C #5 #6 #7 #7-4B #8 PigmentsKaolin Clay 1 35.2% 35.2% 17.6% 44.90% 44.9% 44.9% Kaolin Clay 2  0.0% 0.0%  0.0% TiO2 29.1% 29.1% 46.6% 18.1% 18.1% 18.1% Total Pigment %64.3% 64.3% 64.2% 63.0% 63.0% 63.0% Binders Soy Protein  2.0%  2.9% 0.0%  2.5%  2.5%  2.5% Poly vinyl 33.0% 31.0% 35.6% 34.1% 34.1% 34.1%acetate latex Total % 35.0% 33.9% 35.6% 36.6% 36.6% 36.6% comb. binderAdditives Thickener  0.0% 0.31% 0.065%  0.07% 0.07% 0.07% Dispersant 0.0% 0.16% 0.12% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% Defoamer  0.0% 0.04% 0.007%  0.25%0.25% 0.25% First down (dark) coating Starch Cationic 0 0 0 0   5%   5%Black Pigment 0.51% 0.15% 0.15%  0.2%  0.6%  0.6% Water 0   0.0   0.0  0.0 94.40%  94.40%  Pigments Kaolin Clay 1  0.0% 31.0% 29.9% 30.2%  0%   0% Kaolin Clay 2 60.3% 31.0% 29.9% 30.2%   0%   0% TiO₂  6.4% 5.0%  5.1%  5.1%   0%   0% Total Pigment % 66.6% 67.0% 64.9% 65.5%   0%  0% Binders Soy Protein   0.0   0.0   0.0 0 0 Poly vinyl acetate 32.8%  32%   35%   34%   0.0   0.0 Latex Total % comb. 32.8% 32.0% 35.2%34.0%   0%   0% Binder Additives 0 0 0 Thickener 0 0.31% 0.15% 0.21% 0 0Dispersant 0 0.16% 0.10% 0.00% 0 0 Defoamer 0 0.04% 0.15% 0.04% 0 0

TABLE 4 Masking of Packaging Material Contacted with Votive Candles orOil Impregnated Dusting Gloves Oil impregnated Dusting Glove SubstrateVotive Candles* (~5% mineral oil) Coating Formula 1 Good - No outsideStack test staining and very Stored at 120 deg F. little insideEvaluated at 31 days staining Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Cartontest staining; very little Stored at 120 deg F. to no inside stainingEvaluated at 117 days Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Carton teststaining; very little Stored at TAPPI conditions to no inside staining(73 deg. F., 50% humidity) Evaluated at 117 days *Composition of votivecandles unknown. Such candles are known to include petroleum (oily)waxes and fragrance oils

TABLE 5 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Various Cat FoodFormulations Cat Food Formula I Cat Food Formula II Substrate (≧10% FatContent) (≧14% Fat Content) Coating Formula 1 Good - No outsidestaining; Good - No outside staining; Hand filled Carton test Moderateinside staining; no Moderate inside staining; no Stored at 120 deg F.staining to corrugated under staining to corrugated under Evaluated at61 days carton carton Coating Formula #7-4B Good - No outside staining;Pile test Moderate inside staining Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 117days CCNB (comparative) Poor staining Poor staining Pile test Stored at120 deg F. Evaluated at 21 days Low density Polyethylene Poor - Insideedge wicking Poor - Inside edge wicking Extruded CCNB Paperboard ClearInside Poly (½ mil inside) (comparative) Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluatedat 21 days White Outside low density Poor - Outside staining Poor -Outside staining Polyethylene extrusion visible visible coated CCNB -(comparative) Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 21 days White 2-sidedlow density Poor - Inside edge wicking Poor - Inside edge wickingPolyethylene extrusion coated CCNB (comparative) Stored at 120 deg F.Evaluated at 21 days Metalized Polyester Film Good - Inside staining, noGood - Inside staining, no laminated to CCNB outside staining outsidestaining (comparative) Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 21 days CoatingFormula #1A, 1C, Good - Slight inside staining, Good - Slight insidestain; 1D Stored at 120 deg F. no outside staining shiny area on outsidewhere Evaluated at 21 days product was piled (not a stain appearance) PMGood - Inside edge wicking, Good - Inside edge wicking, Stored at 120deg F. no outside staining no outside staining Evaluated at 21 days

TABLE 6 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Various Dog SnackFormulations Dog Snacks Dog Snacks Dog Snacks Formula Dog Snacks DogSnacks Formula I Formula II III Formula IV Formula V (≧4% Fat (≧3% Fat(≧6% Fat (≧6% Fat (≧14% Fat Substrate Content) Content) Content Content)Content) Coating Formula 1 Good - No Machine filled outside Carton testStored stains; at 120 deg F. moderate Evaluated at 61 inside daysstaining RF2 (comparative) Poor - Machine filled Moderate Carton TestStored staining seen at 120 deg F. on printed Evaluated at 61 side; daysmoderate inside staining Coating Good - No Good - No Formula 1 outsideoutside Hand filled carton staining; no staining; test staining onmoderate Stored at 120 deg F. corrugated inside Evaluated at 72 undercarton staining; no days staining to corrugated under carton RF2(comparative) Poor - Poor - Many Test Several oil droplet Stored at 120deg F. stains on stains on Evaluated at 72 printed side; printed side;days no staining to moderate corrugated inside under carton staining, nostaining to corrugated under carton Coating Formula Good - no #7-4Boutside Pile test staining, Stored at 120 deg F. moderate Evaluated at117 inside days staining CCNB Good - No Good - No Marginal - Poor - ¼”Poor - (comparative) inside or inside or No major stains in Staining allHand-filled cartons outside outside staining, several areas over theStored at 120 deg F. staining staining several small of the cartonoutside of the Evaluated at 21 spots of carton days staining Low densityGood - No Good - No Good - No Good - No Poor - Edge Polyethylene edgewicking edge wicking edge wicking edge wicking staining Extruded (½ milor staining or staining or staining or staining inside) CCNB Paperboard(comparative Pile Test Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 21 days CoatingFormula Good - No Good - No Good - No Good - No Good - No #1D outsideoutside outside outside outside Pile test staining staining stainingstaining staining Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 21 days PM Good - NoGood - No Good - No Good - No Good - No Pile Test outside outsideoutside outside outside Stored at 120 deg F. staining staining stainingstaining staining Evaluated at 21 days

TABLE 7 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Hand Lotion*Lotion Product Lotion Drop Test Lotion Stack Storage Test (3 Substrate(7 hours) Test (3 weeks) weeks) Coating Formula #8 Good - No outsideGood - No outside Good - No outside Hand filled Carton staining stainingstaining Stored at 120 deg F. Coating Formula #7- 4B Good - No outsideGood - No outside Stored at 120 deg F. staining staining Coating Formula#6 Good - No outside Good - No outside Stored at 120 deg F. stainingstaining Coating Formula #5 Good - No outside Good - No outside Storedat 120 deg F. staining staining Coating Formula Good - No outside Good -No outside #2A, 2B, 2C staining staining Stored at 120 deg F. CoatingFormula #1- 1A, Good - No outside Good - No outside 1B, 1C stainingstaining Stored at 120 deg F. *Lotion formulation unknown, but handlotions known to contain moderate amounts of oils, including mineraloil.

TABLE 8 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Biscuit MixSubstrate Biscuit Mix (≧14% Fat Content) Coating Formula 1 Good - Nooutside staining; Light Hand filled carton test inside staining; nostaining Stored at 120 deg F. to corrugated under carton Evaluated at 72days RF1 (comparative) Good - No outside staining; no Machine filledCarton test staining to corrugated under carton Stored at 120 deg F.Evaluated at 72 days Coating Formula #7-4B Good - No outside staining,Light Pile Test inside staining Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 117days CCNB (comparative) Poor staining Pile test Stored at 120 F.Evaluated at 26 days Low density Polyethylene Good - No staining or edgewicking Extruded CCNB Paperboard (½ mil inside) (comparative) Pile TestStored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 26 days GM (comparative) Poor - Lightstaining through the board Pile test Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at26 days 2 sided White Low density Good - No staining or edge wickingPoly CCNB (comparative) Pile Test Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 26days White outside Poly Poor - Significant staining (comparative) PileTest Stored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 26 days

TABLE 9 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Lotion ImpregnatedTissues* Substrate Lotion-containing Tissues Coating Formula 1 Good - Nooutside staining Hand filled carton Test Stored at 120 F. Evaluated at72 days Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside staining Hand filled cartonTest Stored at TAPPI conditions (73 deg. F., 50% humidity) Evaluated at72 days *Amount and formulation of lotion in tissues unknown, but lotioncompositions known to contain moderate amounts of oils, includingmineral oils.

TABLE 10 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Various Cat FoodCat Formula III Cat Formula IV Substrate (≧14% Fat Content) (≧12% FatContent) Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Carton test staining;moderate Stored at 120 F. inside staining; Evaluated at 72 days moderatestaining at one corner of carton to corrugated under carton CoatingFormula #7-4B Good - No outside Piled test staining; moderate Stored at120 F. inside staining Evaluated at 117 days CCNB (comparative) Poor -Inside and Poor - Inside and Piled Test outside staining outsidestaining Stored at 120 F. Evaluated at 183 days Coating Formula #2CGood - No outside Good - No outside Piled test staining staining Storedat 120 F. Evaluated at 183 days

TABLE 11 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Various Cat FoodFormulations Cat Formula V Substrate (≧8% Fat Content) Coating Formula 1Good - No outside staining; Carton test Heavy staining on inside ofStored at 120 F. carton; Heavy staining on Evaluated at 72 dayscorrugated under the carton RF2 (comparative) Marginal - No insidestaining; Pile test slight staining on printed Stored at 120 F. side ofsample Evaluated at 117 days Coating Formula Good - No outside staining;#7-4-B Piled test Heavy staining on inside of Stored at 120 F.paperboard Evaluated at 117 days Low density Polyethylene Poor -Pin-holing staining on Extruded CCNB Paperboard carton; heavy edgewicking (½ Mil inside) staining (comparative) Hand-filled carton testStored at 120 F. Evaluated at 21 days Coating Formula Good - No outsidestaining; #2A, 2B, 2C Heavy staining on fiber side Filled Carton test ofpaperboard; Staining on Stored at 120 F. paperboard under the sampleEvaluated at 36 days Coating Formula Good - No outside staining; #2A,2B, 2C Heavy staining on fiber Piled test side of paperboard Stored at140 F. Evaluated at 14 days

TABLE 13 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Gravy Mix,Pancake Mix and Biscuit Mix Gravy Mix Pancake Mix Biscuit Mix IISubstrate (~10% Fat Content) (~3% Fat Content) (≧3% Fat Content) CoatingFormula #7-4B Good - No outside Pile Test staining, Light inside Storedat 120 F. staining Evaluated at 117 days Low density Polyethylene Good-No staining or Extruded CCNB edge wicking; Paperboard (½ mil inside)Very slight staining (comparative) seen after 4 months, Filled CartonTest however, print Stored at 120 F. graphics would likely Evaluated at154 days cover the stain; Staining at die cut edges and along bottomfold is worsening in the 5th month of storage CCNB (comparative) Good -No staining Filled Carton Test or edge wicking Stored at 120 F.Evaluated at 154 days CCNB (comparative) Poor - Major staining Good - Nostaining Good - No staining Pile Test or edge wicking or edge wickingStored At 120 Deg F. Evaluated at 24 days Low density PolyethyleneGood - No staining Good - No staining Good - No staining Extruded CCNBPaperboard (½ mil inside) (comparative) Pile Test Stored at 120 F.Evaluated at 28 days PM (comparative) Good - No staining to Good - Nostaining Good - No staining Pile Test the print side Stored at 120 F.Evaluated at 28 days

TABLE 14 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Snack Crackersand Dog Biscuits. Snack Crackers Dog Biscuits Substrate (~16% FatContent) (~6% Fat Content) Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Handfilled carton staining, no Test without inner liner inside stainingStored at 120 deg F. Evaluated at 22 days Coating Formula 1 Good - Nooutside Hand filled carton staining, very slight Test without innerliner staining to corrugated Stored at 120 deg F. at corners of cartonEvaluated at 72 days Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Hand filledcarton staining, very slight Test without inner liner staining tocorrugated Stored at 140 deg F. at corners of carton Evaluated at 72days Coating Formula 1 Good - No outside Hand filled carton staining, nostaining Test without inner liner to corrugated under Stored at TAPPIconditions carton (73 deg. F., 50% humidity) Evaluated at 72 days RF2without inner Good - No outside liner (comparative) staining, mediumStored at 120 F. staining to Evaluated at 72 days corrugated at cornersof carton RF2 (comparative) Good - No outside Stored at 140 F. staining,medium Evaluated at 72 days staining to corrugated at corners of cartonRF2 (comparative) Good - No outside TAPPI conditions staining, nostaining (73 deg. F., 50% to corrugated under humidity) carton Evaluatedat 72 days Coating Formula Good - No staining #2A, 2B, 2C Pile TestStored at 140 deg. F. at 14 days

TABLE 15 Masking of Packaging Materials Contacted with Various DryerSheets* Substrate Dryer Sheet I Dryer Sheet II Dryer Sheet III DryerSheet IV Coating Formula 1 Good - No Good - No Good - No Good - NoHand-filled Carton test outside staining outside staining outsidestaining outside staining Stored at 120 F. Evaluated at 4 days CoatingFormula 1 Good - No Good - No Good - No Good - No Hand-filled Cartontest outside staining outside staining outside staining outside stainingStored at 100 F./70% RH Evaluated at 4 days Coating Formula 1 Good - NoGood - No Good - No Good - No Hand-filled Carton test outside stainingoutside staining outside staining outside staining 80 deg F./80% RHEvaluated at 4 days Coating Formula 1 Good - No Good - No Good - NoGood - No Hand-filled Carton test outside staining outside stainingoutside staining outside staining Stored at TAPPI conditions (73 deg.F., 50% humidity) Evaluated at 4 days Low density Good - No Poor - MajorMarginal -Slight Good - No Polyethylene Extruded outside stainingoutside staining outside staining outside staining (½ mil inside) CCNBaround die cut around Paperboard (comparative) perforations perforationsHand-filled carton test Stored at 120 F. Evaluated at 4 days Low densityGood - No Good - No Good - No Good - No Polyethylene Extruded outsidestaining outside staining outside staining outside staining (½ milinside) CCNB Paperboard (comparative) Hand-filled carton test Stored at100 F./70% RH Evaluated at 4 days Low density Good - No Good - No Good -No Good - No Polyethylene Extruded outside staining outside stainingoutside staining outside staining (½ mil inside) CCNB Paperboard(comparative) Hand-filled carton test Stored at 80 deg F./80% RHEvaluated at 4 days Low density Good - No Good - No Good - No Good - NoPolyethylene Extruded outside staining outside staining outside stainingoutside Staining (½ mil inside) CCNB Paperboard (comparative)Hand-filled carton test Stored at TAPPI conditions (73 deg. F., 50%humidity) Evaluated at 4 days Coating Formula 1 Good - No stainingPoor - Heavy Good - No Good - No Stack test to print side; slight tackon print to staining to print staining to print Stored at 120 F. tack onprint to print stack test* side; slight tack side; slight tack Evaluatedat 7 days print stack test on print to print on print to print stacktest stack test *Composition of dryer sheets unknown. However,commercial dryer sheets are known to be impregnated with fabric softenercompositions. Such compositions are known to include one or more of:fatty alcohols, mineral oils, or organosilicone materials.

As set forth in the various Tables above, the substrates treatedaccording to the methods and compositions and methods of the presentinvention effectively mask staining from grease, fat or oil permeationthrough a packaging material. Further, the appearance of the packagingmaterial is equal to or better than packaging materials treatedaccording to prior art methods and compositions including the nowunavailable fluorochemical barrier treatments. Accordingly, theseresults demonstrate that the methods and compositions of the presentinvention provide a useful and valuable improvement to the field ofpackaging materials.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application in order to more fullydescribe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1-53. (canceled)
 54. A method of making a packaging material that masksgrease, fat or oil permeation in a grease, fat or oil permeablepackaging material comprising the steps of: a. providing a grease, fator oil permeable substrate suitable for use as a packaging material,wherein the substrate has an inner and an outer surface; b. selecting adark colored layer having an inner and an outer surface and a lightcolored layer having an inner and an outer surface, wherein the layersare together suitable for masking an appearance of a grease, fat or oilpermeation on the packaging material; c. applying the dark colored layerproximal to the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the dark coloredlayer is optionally applied from a solution comprising a dark colorant;and d. applying the light colored layer proximal to the outer surface ofthe dark colored layer, wherein the light colored layer is applied froma solution comprising a light colorant; wherein one or more of the darkor light colorant-containing solutions each, independently, comprises abinder material at from about 17% to about 60% by weight as measured byweight of the respective solution, and wherein neither the dark coloredlayer nor the light colored layer comprises a non-leafing metallic ink.55. The method of claim 54, wherein the inner surface of the darkcolored layer is adjacent to the outer surface of the substrate.
 56. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the inner surface of the light colored layeris adjacent to the outer surface of the dark colored layer.
 57. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the dark colorant comprises one or more of:carbon black, raw sienna, burnt sienna, burnt umber, chrome black, highpurity furnace black, black azo dyes or brown azo dyes.
 58. The methodof claim 54, wherein the dark colorant comprises carbon black.
 59. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the light colorant comprises one or more of:titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, calcium sulfate,barium sulfate, natural clay, synthetic clay, magnesium oxide, magnesiumsilicate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide or plastic pigment.
 60. The methodof claim 54, wherein the light colorant comprises titanium dioxide. 61.The method of claim 54, wherein the dark colored layer is applied fromthe dark colorant-containing solution and the solution comprises fromabout 0.01 to about 20.0% by weight of the dark colorant as measured bytotal weight of the solution.
 62. The method of claim 54, wherein thedark colored layer is applied from the dark colorant-containing solutionand the solution comprises from about 0.25 to about 4.0% by weight ofthe dark colorant as measured by total weight of the solution.
 63. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the light colorant-containing solutioncomprises from about 30 to about 90% by weight of the light colorant asmeasured by total weight of the solution.
 64. The method of claim 54,wherein the light colorant-containing solution comprises from about 40to about 80% by weight of the light colorant as measured by total weightof the solution.
 65. The method of claim 54 having a TAPPI brightnessnumber of from about 60 to about
 90. 66. The method of claim 54, whereinthe dark colored layer is applied from the dark colorant-containingsolution and the solution further comprises a sizing agent, dark coloredpigment and water.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the sizing agentcomprises starch.
 68. The method of claim 54, wherein the grease, fat oroil permeable substrate comprises paperboard, paper or fabric.
 69. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the grease, fat or oil permeable substratecomprises paperboard.
 70. The method of claim 69, wherein the paperboardcomprises one or more of: SBS, SUS or recycled paperboard.
 71. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the packaging material is suitable for usein packaging human food, animal food, drugs or cosmetics.
 72. The methodof claim 54 further comprising the step of forming the packagingmaterial into a wrap, pouch, bag, box, cup, tray, plate, can, tube orbottle, thereby forming an article.
 73. The method of claim 72, furthercomprising the step of including a packaged material in the article,wherein the packaged material comprises one or more of: sweets,chocolate, confectionery, pastries, biscuits, dairy products, powderyfoodstuffs, frozen food, fresh and semipreserved foods, pet food,carryout foods, cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes,detergents, textiles, toys, games, tools, household appliances,pesticides, fertilizer, hobby items, paper products, cassettes, recordsleeves, or auto parts.
 74. The method of claim 54, wherein one or moreof the dark colored layer and the light colored layers each,independently, comprises one or more of: water, dispersant, resin,surfactant, wetting agent, defoamer, thickener, starch, preservative orantioxidant.
 75. The method of claim 54, wherein the binder comprisesone or more of a naturally or synthetically derived binder.
 76. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the binder comprises a latex polymer and aprotein.
 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the ratio of latex polymerto protein is from about 2:1 to about 10:1.
 78. The method of claim 54,further comprising applying a printed layer adjacent to the outersurface of the light colored layer.
 79. A method for masking grease, fator oil staining on a packaging material, wherein the method comprisesthe steps of: a. contacting the packaging material of claim 54 with agrease, fat or oil containing material.
 80. A method of making apackaging material that masks grease and oil permeation in a grease, fator oil packaging material, comprising the steps of: a. providing agrease, fat or oil permeable substrate having an inner and an outersurface, wherein the substrate is suitable for use as a packagingmaterial; b. selecting a dark colored layer having an inner and an outersurface and a light colored layer having an inner and an outer surface,wherein the layers are together suitable for masking an appearance ofgrease, fat or oil permeation on the packaging material; c. extruding acomposition comprising a dark colorant proximal to the outer surface ofthe substrate, thereby providing the dark colored layer; and d.extruding, either simultaneously or sequentially to step (c), acomposition comprising a light colorant proximal to the outer surface ofthe dark colored layer, thereby providing the light colored layer. 81.The method of claim 80, wherein the dark colored layer and light coloredlayer each, independently, comprises one or more of: polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene or halogenated or non-halogenatedvinyl polymer.
 82. The method of claim 80, wherein the dark coloredlayer and the light colored layer each, independently, comprise fromabout 5 to about 40% colorant as measured by total weight of eachindividual layer.
 83. The method of claim 80, wherein the light coloredlayer comprises one or more of: titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate,calcium silicate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, natural clay, asynthetic clay, magnesium oxide, magnesium silicate, zinc carbonate orzinc oxide.
 84. The method of claim 80, wherein the light colored layercomprises titanium dioxide.
 85. The method of claim 80, wherein thesubstrate comprises paperboard comprising one or more of: SBS, SUS orrecycled paperboard.
 86. The method of claim 80, wherein the packagingmaterial is suitable for use in packaging human food, animal food, drugsand cosmetics.
 87. The method of claim 80 further comprising forming thepackaging material into a wrap, pouch, bag, box, cup, tray, plate, can,tube or bottle, thereby forming an article.
 88. The method of claim 87further comprising including a packaged material in the articlecomprising one or more of: sweets, chocolate, confectionery, pastries,biscuits, dairy products, powdery foodstuffs, frozen food, fresh andsemipreserved foods, pet food, carryout foods, cosmetics, toiletries,pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, detergents, textiles, toys, games, tools,pesticides, fertilizers, household appliances, hobby items, paperproducts, cassettes, record sleeves, or auto parts.
 89. A method formasking the appearance of grease, fat or oil staining on a packagingmaterial, wherein the method comprises: a. contacting the packagingmaterial of claim 80, with a grease, fat or oil containing material. 90.A method for making a packaging material that masks grease, fat or oilpermeation in a grease, fat or oil permeable packaging material,comprising the steps of: a. providing a grease, fat or oil permeablesubstrate having an outer surface and a dark colored outer layer havingan inner and an outer surface, wherein the substrate is suitable for useas a packaging material; and b. extruding a composition comprising alight colorant proximal to the outer surface of the dark colored outerlayer, thereby providing a light colored outer layer, wherein the darkcolored layer and the light colored outer layer are selected so as tomask the appearance of grease, fat or oil staining on the packagingmaterial, thereby providing a packaging material suitable for maskingthe appearance of grease, fat or oil on the material.
 91. The method ofclaim 90, wherein the dark colored outer layer is obtained by extrudinga composition comprising a dark colorant proximal to the outer surfaceof the substrate prior to the extrusion step.
 92. The method of claim90, wherein the dark colored outer layer is obtained by applying asolution comprising a dark colorant to the outer surface of thesubstrate prior to the extrusion step.
 93. The method of claim 90,wherein the dark colored outer surface is obtained by placing a darkcolored paper or fabric layer on the outer surface of the substrateprior to the extrusion step.
 94. The method of claim 90, wherein thedark colored outer surface is obtained by including one or more darkcolored plys in the outer surface of the substrate prior to theextrusion step.
 95. A method for masking grease, fat or oil staining ona packaging material method, wherein the method comprises: a. contactingthe packaging material of claim 90 with a grease, fat or oil containingmaterial.
 96. A method for making a material for masking grease and oilpermeation in a grease, fat or oil permeable, substrate, comprising thesteps of: a. providing a grease, fat or oil permeable substrate havingan inner and an outer surface, wherein the substrate is suitable for useas a packaging material; b. selecting a dark colored layer and a lightcolored layer wherein the layers are together suitable for maskinggrease, fat or oil permeation in the substrate; c. extruding eithersimultaneously or sequentially a composition comprising a dark colorantand a composition comprising a light colorant, thereby forming alaminate material having an inner and an outer surface, wherein thelight colored layer forms the outer surface of the laminate material andthe dark colored layer forms the inner surface of the laminate material;d. applying the inner surface of the laminate material to the outersurface of the substrate, thereby providing a packaging materialsuitable for masking the appearance of grease, fat or oil on thematerial
 97. A method for masking grease, fat or oil staining on apackaging material, wherein the method comprises: a. contacting thepackaging material of claim 96, with a grease, fat or oil containingmaterial.